Neuroimaging: hyperdense MCA sign: practice question

A Radiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Radiology · Neuroimaging: hyperdense MCA sign

Sample item

A non-contrast CT of a patient with acute left hemiplegia shows a linear hyperdensity in the right Sylvian fissure. What does it represent?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Thrombus within the middle cerebral artery

A hyperdense MCA sign is an early CT marker of acute thrombus in the proximal artery and indicates a large vessel occlusion. It may be accompanied by loss of the insular ribbon and obscuration of the lentiform nucleus. Thrombectomy may be indicated.

Option by option

  • A. Thrombus within the middle cerebral artery (correct)

    Correct. The hyperdense vessel indicates acute thrombus.

  • B. Normal vessel

    A normal vessel is isodense to brain.

  • C. Calcified meningioma

    A calcified meningioma is an extra-axial mass.

  • D. Subarachnoid haemorrhage

    SAH produces hyperdensity in the cisterns and sulci rather than a vessel line.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is A, Thrombus within the middle cerebral artery. A hyperdense MCA sign is an early CT marker of acute thrombus in the proximal artery and indicates a large vessel occlusion.

Why is "Normal vessel" not the answer?

A normal vessel is isodense to brain.

Why is "Calcified meningioma" not the answer?

A calcified meningioma is an extra-axial mass.

Why is "Subarachnoid haemorrhage" not the answer?

SAH produces hyperdensity in the cisterns and sulci rather than a vessel line.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neuroimaging: hyperdense MCA sign in Radiology. It may be accompanied by loss of the insular ribbon and obscuration of the lentiform nucleus. Thrombectomy may be indicated.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Neuroimaging: hyperdense MCA sign?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.